As the world celebrates International Men’s day today, on behalf of the Management and Staff of the Ministry of Youth and Gender Issues, Edo State, Nigeria, l heartily felicitate with all Edo men, both at home and in the diaspora. Amongst these great men we celebrate today are grandfathers, fathers, husbands, guardians, uncles, brothers, fiancés and male-friends, who against all odds go out daily to make life more meaningful for their loved ones and/or dependant’s.

Daily, the men of our dear State toil in their various fields of human endeavours, either as sailors or tailors; as lawyers or bricklayers; as bankers or bakers; as politicians or technicians; as lawmakers or bricklayers, just to make life better for those they call family. Through these works of human endeavour, they clearly demonstrate the resilient spirit of the average Edo person, as they daily direct their energies towards their individual task of making Edo great again.

In Retrospect

Every November 19, International Men’s Day is celebrated worldwide, to demonstrate and appreciate the positive values men bring to the world, their families and the communities in which they live or work. This global event highlights and identifies positive role models of the male gender, who upcoming generations should emulate. The day is also set aside to raise awareness of men’s wellbeing in society. The theme for 2022 is “Helping Men and Boys”.

Therefore, the 2022 International Men’s Day celebration offers us a new opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the men in our lives and memories, whose contributions have in no small measure helped in making our today’s society safer, better and greater, for the good of all. In furtherance of this year’s theme, l implore all Edo women of goodwill not to relent in their God-delegated duty as natural helpers of the menfolk in their lives and/or immediate environment.

I must not fail to add that our dear Governor, His Excellency Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, his Deputy Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu and other men currently serving in the Edo State Government deserve to be applauded for their daily efforts in fulfilling the “Making Edo Great Again” (MEGA) manifesto. Those outside of government who work hard daily to earn a living are not left out of this commendation.

I cannot end this goodwill message without paying glowing tribute to our founding fathers like; Oba Akenzua ll, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa. Michael Imoudu, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Prof. Ambrose Alli, Alhaji Inu Umoru, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu and Vice Admiral Michael Akhigbe GCON, whose patriotic labour for fatherland birthed what we proudly call Edo, today. Time Will not fail me to also celebrate our living legends like; Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Senator Yisa Braimoh and the first civilian Governor of Edo State, Dr. John Odigie Oyegun.

Happy international Men’s Day!

Andrew Adaze Emwanta Esq., JP

Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Youth & Gender Issues, Edo State
19 November, 2022